Stage 3 kidney disease life expectancy varies widely, with many living 10-20+ years or more, especially if younger and well-managed, though it's heavily influenced by age, underlying conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure), and treatment adherence, with some studies suggesting a 40-year-old might have 24+ years but older adults potentially facing shorter expectancy, as about half of patients progress to later stages within a decade.
Fluid retention, swelling (edema) of extremities and shortness of breath: Urination changes (foamy; dark orange, brown, tea-colored or red if it contains blood; and urinating more or less than normal) Kidney pain felt in their back. Sleep problems due to muscle cramps or restless legs.
The good news is that stage 3 CKD can often be managed effectively. While CKD is generally not considered reversible, treatment focuses on slowing its progression and addressing underlying conditions.
A: On average, the life expectancy of a male patient, who is 40, at CKD stage 3, is 24 years, whereas for a female patient of the same age group, is 28 years. In a 10-year study, it has been found that half of the patients at stage 3 progressed to further stages of the disease.
In stage 3a CKD, you are at increased risk for your CKD getting worse and you are at risk for heart disease (even if your uACR is lower than 30). As your uACR number goes up, your risks of developing heart disease and CKD progression (worsening) both go up dramatically (as seen in the figure below).
Conclusions: About half of the patients with stage 3 CKD progressed to stage 4 or 5, as assessed by eGFR, over 10 years.
Changes in your sleep pattern
Sometimes patients who have CKD are more tired than usual. They tend to fall asleep earlier than their normal bedtime or nap during the day. If you feel that a nap can help you, limit your nap time.
Although Stage 3 kidney disease is not terminal, knowing how to cope with it is key to maintaining good health. WebMD reported, “all-cause mortality rate varied from 6% in 3 years to 51% in ten years.”
Water is not generally restricted during stage 3a unless there are symptoms of retention such as difficulty breathing or swelling in feet/ankles. For those without a fluid restriction, 2 liters for women and 3 liters for men is what is generally recommended.
If you have early stage CKD (stages 1 to 3), your GP may prescribe medication such as SGLT2 inhibitors to help maintain your kidney function. It is important to always tell your pharmacist that you have CKD as some medications for other conditions may harm your kidneys and could make your CKD worse.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the top culprits damaging kidneys most, as they harm the delicate filtering blood vessels, leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and failure; other major factors include smoking, obesity, dehydration, poor diet (high sugar/salt/red meat), certain medications (NSAIDs), lack of sleep, and genetic conditions. These factors create a cycle where damaged kidneys worsen blood pressure, further damaging them.
Chronic kidney disease usually progresses slowly. Regular blood and urine tests can help doctors to decide whether the kidneys are still working well enough, whether the treatment needs to be adjusted, or whether dialysis will be needed soon, for example.
Stage 3 kidney disease means that the kidney's function has been cut by half, and most patients experience ancillary problems like high blood pressure or bone difficulties. A survey of 13 studies on stage 3 kidney disease found that the all-cause mortality rate varied from 6% in 3 years to 51% in ten years.
Stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) sounds alarming. However, it rarely causes symptoms and does not have a big impact on quality of life. And, with changes in lifestyle and treatment from your GP, it is possible to keep your kidneys healthy.
Not everyone with stage 3b will develop kidney failure. You can estimate your risk of kidney failure (needing dialysis or a kidney transplant) in the next 2-5 years by using the kidney failure risk calculator. This calculator helps predict your risk based on factors like your age, sex, eGFR number, and uACR level.
To strengthen your kidneys, focus on a healthy lifestyle: stay hydrated with water, eat a balanced diet low in salt and processed foods, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, manage blood pressure and sugar, limit over-the-counter pain relievers (like NSAIDs), and maintain a healthy weight to support overall kidney function.
There is no cure for kidney failure, but with treatment it is possible to live a long, fulfilling life. Having kidney failure is not a death sentence. People with kidney failure live active lives and continue to do the things they love.
Sleeping on Your Side: Sleeping on your side is another suitable option for kidney patients. It helps improve blood flow, which can better the kidney functions. It is recommended to sleep on your left side to promote optimal blood circulation which will help reduce the workload on kidneys.
Many people live with stage 3 CKD, with only some progressing to the advanced stages. Regardless, undergoing regular assessment and treatment is important to prevent the progression.
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You feel kidney pain near the middle of your back, just under your ribcage, on each side of your spine where your kidneys are. Your kidneys are part of the urinary tract, the organs that make and remove urine from the body. (pee). You may feel kidney pain on one or both sides of your back.
With stage 3 kidney disease, you may need to limit protein to reduce strain on your kidneys: Red meat: Beef, pork, and lamb should be consumed in moderation. Limit protein portions: Work with your healthcare professional to determine your ideal protein intake.
1. Less Energy or Trouble Concentrating. A severe decrease in kidney function can lead to a buildup of toxins and impurities in the blood. This can cause people to feel tired or weak and can make it hard to concentrate.